"Young Love", My Love

No anniversary, birthday, valentine, etc. just that lately I am so incredibly grateful for my love. I am more in love with him than ever. I was watching him the other day and just thought how incredibly handsome he is. Twelve years and I am still smitten. Babe and I are very different people which means we don't always see eye to eye but we say when it comes to the big stuff in life like the direction our family should go or following the Lord basically we seek truth so we are completely in tune.

 I dog ear and highlight my books and to him that is a TRAVESTY. I go to craft stores and he plays war games and neither of us wants to participate in the other but our favorite time of day is when we are together. Our first tiff after we were married was on our honeymoon and we were driving into Los Angeles during rush hour (before GPS) and I didn't know how to read maps well. In fact, if that wasn't the first time it was close to the first. Poor Babe!! But being the guy he is he let it go realizing I did my best! :-)We are best friends despite our differences. I could not possibly have a better earthly friend. He is devoted to the kids and I and I adore him. This song I love and wanted to post it out of my love for my hubby. Love you Babe. You're amazing.

I often think wives miss out on so much when they compare their husbands with other husbands! How much more special when your husband does his own thing and doesn't fall into the norm. Someone asked me the other day about flowers from Babe. I said "That isn't Brian's thing". No, instead he would make a special trip to a store on the way home and buy me special gluten free flour and mix just cuz he wants to make sure I am taken care of. Oh, and he will make something out of the stuff. Tonight he brought home haagan daaz ice cream for the two of us. It's not always food . . . he got me a beautiful bracelet when he was away recently. I love the way he loves me. Oh, one time he sent me flowers and they were potted! That's my Babe. :-)

Tis The Season

It's hunting season. A few weeks ago Babe and Gabriel were off somewhere in Colorado hunting antelope for some days. Gabriel is not old enough in Colorado to actually shoot big game. Twelve years old is the age to look forward to for big game hunting but Gabriel can tag along and hang out, have fun, and learn. They didn't get an antelope but came close just not close enough. They saw a fair amount of antelope but they were either the wrong gender for the tag they had or in the wrong hunting area. They did one time find what they needed for their tag and in the right zone but couldn't get close enough for a good shot. Nevertheless they had a GREAT time!!! They came back with stories of stars, bugs, antelope, and the game warden. I guess the stars in the middle of nowhere where just amazing. The game warden got to know them some and tried to help them out. He seemed to like Gabriel and it was good for Gabriel to learn about game wardens and what they do. They saw a truck of guys being chased down by the game warden!

Yesterday Babe, Gabriel, and Ross headed off to near the Nebraska border for deer hunting. Babe and I decided to let Rossers go and he was SOOOOO excited to be going with the big boys. It was fun to see how happy and excited he was. We'll see how he holds up to early mornings, etc. I've prayed they'll have a great time. Ross told Daddy that if he gets a deer that he will give him a penny. Cute.

Well, poor Carson had to stay home. He is used to at least Ross being home but with Ross gone I think it was a little harder. Even though Carson adores Annalina she is not one of the boys. Today he said a couple of times that he wanted to go hunting which he has never said before. When Annalina, Carson, and I were sitting at dinner he said "I am a big boy that has to stay home." Annalina and I got a kick out of him.

Annalina was excited for them to get a deer and liked spending time with just me but she still likes it when everyone is home. I told her that is a good attitude  . . . she's excited for them and thankful she and I can hang out, but will miss them. She and Carson had a great time doing "gymnastics" on the couch in the evening. Annalina and I stayed up and hung out which was fun. She and I have a few crafty things we would like to do during the coming days.

The big event of the evening was that I fed Jedidiah dinner and then he had a big spit up so I had to take off his clothes so I left him in his crib in his diapers to play around while I got some stuff done. When I came back he was on his belly with YUCKY stuff on the mattress under his mouth. I thought that was weird he seems to have thrown up but that is weird looking throw up. Since the mess was under his face that is what it looked like. It was under his nose and around his left eye (a Big chunk of it!). But he was so happy to have just thrown up. I went to pick him up and saw he had pooped out the back of his diapers and it ended up on the mattress and then he had flipped over and put his face in it!!! Carson was disgusted!!!! I got Jedidiah into the baby tub and got him cleaned up. Jedidiah loves baths now but wasn't so keen on them when he was really young. The kids and I sat around and watched him play for awhile and then Jedidiah peed while in the bath. What a baby! He sure was happy though!!

End of Summer Fun . . . Daddy got the Trebuchet Done!

 Babe has been wanting to build a trebuchet for a long time 

and this last weekend he FINISHED it just in time before the school year starts!

Gabriel was THRILLED it was completed!! This trebuchet launches golf balls!

Babe is going to have to spend some time tweeking it to get it to launch it

it's maximum distance.

 Carson and Ross helping load more rocks in the counter weight box.

 The kids counted down from 10 for the release!

 Annalina was so excited to launch this. She was closing her eyes 

as the boys counted down for her.

I think Carson thought he was a big kid getting

to launch the trebuchet! Ross took a turn too. Ross

did it a bit to energetically!:-)

Father Son Retreat Coming Soon!!

Babe and Gabriel are VERY excited about their Father Son Retreat coming up! They signed up for this in the spring and were eager then! Lord willing we would like to send both Gabriel and Ross with Babe for next years retreat. We are also hoping it will work out financially and time wise for Babe to take Annalina to Vision Forum's Father Daughter Retreat in Georgia in March!

If you click on the link below on the right hand side is the schedule for the father son retreat this year and you can see what some of those "manly arts" are that they will be learning. We really appreciate what Vision Forums mission is to equip the family to be strong in the Lord and for the fathers to be the spiritual leaders both leading to multi-generational faith in the Lord.

Vision Forum's Father Son Retreat

Thoughts

As an "epic fire" (words on the news) burns in Waldo Canyon we have been on alert to if the fire comes west to us. We have our van packed and ready to go if the fire turns more west. How horrifying to watch as the wind went east and burned peoples homes down on live tv.  Brian is away out of country for a short time but we have talked and we both agreed that if our house was to burn to the ground we would be fine with that. We just want our family safe . But still you hurt for those that are losing so much. One of the kids was talking about if the fire burned down our house and I said it would be ok. God gives and Gods takes away and we could be thankful for the time we got to spend in it. I doubt the fire will come up this far but I know this fire has been aggressive and I have to stay alert.

I told the kids as they headed off to bed tonight to pray for the fire fighters. Little Carson was heading down the stairs and he said "I pray for the firefighters to be safe and me to be safe." I told him "that was a good prayer". I thought that was cute that Hey I might as well pray for my safety too! He has been so cute lately with his thankfulness in prayers . . . chocolate milk, chocolate bars. Today I asked him what he wanted to thank God for and he said "uncles".

Annalina said to me "God is showing his power over the earth . . . people need to get saved. I want to grow up and go to China." She expressed to me that maybe revival was coming. What a huge thought and passion for such a little girl. Annalina said a few days ago about the fire and evacuating that if she had to leave she would take her Bible, her Strawberry Shortcake blanket (from her Grandma J), and "you Mommy."

Babe flew into an airport on Sunday and on Monday people dressed as police came into the same airport and mowed people down with guns. Isn't it calming to know God is in control of our lives?! He guides and guards our steps! God is so good.

Today was a good day working with my kiddos. Gabriel, Annalina, and I worked at cleaning our refrigerator. Gabriel and I worked on laundry for a good while and later Annalina and I worked together on laundry. I enjoy working with the kids. Annalina took Carson underwing and let him watch her work and help some then took him downstairs and worked with him on cleaning the boys room without being asked.

I regret that I have not been blogging and recording my memories better lately. I have things about Ross I haven't blogged, cute things the kids have said, a wonderful anniversary night out with my hubby, the conversations the kids and I have had during devotions, and our hilarious yet not so hilarious trip through Walmart that will be etched in our minds for quite some time, God's watch care for me throughout this week through family and military and the lady that called me whom I've never met that offered me an abundance of care and kindness!

Naval Postgraduate School Graduation

This is a back post since the took place in June but I want it down in my memories! Graduation day was a day I had looked forward to since the day we moved to Monterey! I was so excited to attend the festivities! The kids were happy Daddy was graduating and Gabriel, Annalina, and I were excited to watch him cross the stage and graduate. Grandpa J took Ross and Carson to the child room where there was a BIG screen up to watch the ceremony and those 3 had fun too. Babe was wearing my favorite Navy uniform, his dress whites. LOVE HIM IN THEM! :-) Unfortunately, they didn't have the graduates wear their hats. Anyway we had a GREAT time and it made it all the more special that my Dad came to help us celebrate. The kids had been waiting and waiting for Daddy to be done with the thesis and it was great to see the culmination of all the hard work and craziness! We're so proud of you Babe! This was a dream come true for him. He was called by someone to continue advanced education but NO WAY not right now maybe down the road but we had our fill of academics for awhile. I had new respect for my mom who made it through 4 masters degrees and 2 doctorates with my dad! Mom you are super woman!

Home Sweet Home. Our First Place of Our Own.

Many years ago when Babe was a boy about Gabriel's age he would sit on the floor of his home in Wisconsin with maps stretched out in front of him trying to figure out where the best place to live was and it was always someplace out west and he wanted to live in the mountains. Now that dream is coming true . . . a home in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Not only is it the excitement of a first home but the excitement of living a childhood dream. I am as thrilled as he is. For 3 years of my childhood we lived in Colorado and I LOVED it. Now I am back with my children and they can enjoy the majestic beauty of God's creation and breathe the mountain air. I remember what it would feel like in the mountains in the morning. The air was cool and invigorating and the scenery beautiful and peaceful.

The papers are signed and the movers come tomorrow to pack up our stuff. The kids are so excited and have been counting down the night nights. Annalina wanted to sleep on top of the boxes tomorrow night!

I am so glad to have a husband like Babe to share this with. What is a home without love? I find the experience of purchasing this home to be romantic as Babe and I live out our dreams together. There is something soul warming inside me. I can't wait to be in OUR home with MY LOVE. Call me a sap . . . but I feel what I feel.

I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for the blessings He seasons our lives with. Those things that warm the heart and draw your gaze upward to say "I know I don't deserve any of this . . . the loving husband, the beautiful children, our own home . . . , your love for me makes no human sense but thank you for seasoning my life with your love. Help me to be salt and light in this world for you. Amen."

Highlights of My Week

*I am often thankful for my hubby but this week things came about that just really brought it to my mind. On Mother's Day our pastor preached on husband's dwelling in knowledge with their wives. As I listened I thought . . . that is what Babe does. I often thank God for my hubby. He prays daily that he would be the husband he should be and it is obvious. Then the other day we had a situation with our move and we just weren't sure what we would do. By the time Babe got done he came out and said "You are going to want to kiss me till the cows come home." He not only solved the issue but solved it in a way that was obvious he was thinking of the kids and I. I heard one of the kids say "We have the best Daddy!" I told the kids there are many things I like about Daddy but one thing I really like is he does not sit around complaining about things he is proactive and finds a way to fix the problem.

*Yesterday morning I heard that one kid in the house was up and in the kitchen and everyone else was still in bed. It sounded like they were preparing our cereal breakfast and thought maybe it was Gabriel. After awhile I got up and went out and found Ross and he was so happy he said "I am making breakfast!" He had even poured the milk in our bowls before anybody else was out of bed!:-) I went and told Gabriel and Annalina what Ross had done and they smiled. We all had a wonderfully prepared breakfast thanks to Ross!

*Watched Carson through the nursery window tonight at church. It was so sweet to watch him trying and trying and trying to make a crying baby happy. I know other kids do that but we were pleased to see Carson caring for someone else. He is the baby of the family and I am glad to see that in him.

*Thankful this week I have learned how to do basic knitting. It is helpful to me to have that to do. Unfortunately, today I got myself into a spot I can't get out of by myself. Bummer. Earlier today Ross watched me knitting and said "How did you get so good? You could teach." He wasn't joking or trying to brown nose. He just thought his Mommy was doing well even though I've only had only a handful of lessons! :-) That's my Ross though. Oh, I had to have Annalina show me how to "cast on" the other day because I couldn't remember how but she did!

*This week was also a week where I saw God so clearly in some little things. It was a reminder to me that God leads us. It is so thrilling to see God in the little things. He knows the number of hairs of my head and he cares for me.

Beautifully Blessed Day

Annalina (stripes) and A (boots) in front of the home

we have come under contract for in Colorado!

What a day!! Today our final negotiation paper was signed for the house we picked in Colorado!! We have been watching and falling in love with that house for a LONG TIME! It is our dream home and Lord willing we hope to own it for a very long time. The home is in the mountains, which many know Babe and I LOVE mountains, and the windows look right at Pikes Peak! AHHH, AHHH, AHHH. Our closing date is June 8th. We are now going to be waiting to see how the home inspection goes. :-) I can't help but decorating in my mind and that has been so fun for me.

Another huge blessing today came to Babe and Gabriel. They went to a Messianic Passover Dinner. They came home so excited and obviously blessed by the experience. Gabriel really enjoyed learning the symbolism of the dinner. Babe was touched by the personal nature of the worship. The people were a blessing. They REALLY enjoyed the fellowship with the people. They enjoyed the Hebrew music and the unique food. I thought they would enjoy it but I didn't realize it would be the blessing it was to them! They got all dressed up for the dinner and Ross thought Gabriel looked like a Pastor in his suit and tie!

What a day. We have never owned a home it has only been a dream of ours. It is exciting to see that our dreams and prayers are coming to fruition.

Tomorrow will be so nice as we take time to remember what Good Friday is all about. I really look forward to it. We've been doing a 40 day Discovering Jesus children's devotional put out by Charles Swindol. It has been good. I'll have to write more on that later.

Sign of the Academic Times!

Babe is in the depths of writing his thesis and that is how his time is spent cloistered away in the only available room that one can work at a table and shut a door which is Carson's room. Gabriel made a sign for the door for us to be aware that Daddy is working for 6 weeks and Carson may be sleeping! My Mom made it through my Dad's 3 master degrees and 2 doctorates. She's a SAINT! I don't deal with it as well as my mom! I'm ready to be done already! :-)

Babe's Promotion

Today Babe got to have his pinning on of his oak leaves since he made Lieutenant Commander. The kids were excited to go over to Daddy's school and be a part of the ceremony. We are excited for the pay raise. :-) Just kidding, we were really happy of his promotion and especially that we got to all be there as a family to support Daddy. The kids knew Daddy picked them to pin on his new rank and knew that was very special, Mommy pinned on Daddy's last rank.

After the ceremony and standing around chit chatting we went for an outdoor lunch on Naval Postgraduate School grounds. They have a really good place to eat and it is a treat when one it is nice enough to sit outside and enjoy eating and 2 we get to eat with Daddy at his school!

Some people really micro-manage their careers in the military. I really like Babe's attitude . . . he does his best and prays and leaves it to the Lord. His boss on the ship got frustrated with him for not "controling" his career more and I mean freekishly controling. Babe's view is this . . .

Psalm 75:5-7

⁶For promotion cometh neither from the east,

nor from the west, nor from the south.

⁷But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

We're thankful today for Babe's promotion and celebration with family!

Babe's War College Graduation in September

Babe with the kids outside after the ceremony.

Babe graduated with honors which was nice because he

worked so hard!

Another picture after the ceremony. The building is just beautiful in an old way.

The kids are waiting for the ceremony to start. Carson was

an absolute gem during the ceremony. I was NOT expecting him to

sit that long and be that quiet!!